Recap: Game 125 - Cubs (2) at Mets(1) - Castro's HR the difference

Recap:

Starlin Castro's leadoff home run in the top of the ninth gave the Chicago Cubs a 2-1 victory over the New York Mets on Sunday.

Luis Valbuena singled in the Cubs' first run in the fourth, but the Mets tied it up in the bottom of the eighth on Curtis Granderson's single. Castro sent the first pitch of the ninth inning into the seats in right field for the go- ahead run.

Hector Rondon struck out a batter during a perfect ninth inning for Chicago en route to his 17th save of the season.

Pedro Strop (2-4) gave up one unearned run on two hits in the eighth for the Cubs, but received the win.

Jenrry Mejia (5-6) took the loss for giving up the homer to Castro in the ninth. The Mets had won the first two games of the four-game series.

Jake Arrieta struck out nine and allowed only two hits over seven scoreless innings for Chicago, but received a no-decision for his efforts as the Cubs ended a three-game skid.

Rafael Montero was in search of his first major-league win, but also did not factor in the decision, conceding just one run in 7 1/3 innings for the Mets.

The Mets threatened in the third, but couldn't get anyone across. Ruben Tejada singled and moved to second on a wild pitch, then Granderson reached on a throwing error by first baseman Anthony Rizzo, but Juan Lagares grounded into an inning-ending double play.

Javier Baez picked up his first major-league walk to open the away fourth. After Rizzo flied out, Castro moved Baez to second with a ground out and Valbuena hit a line drive into right field to score Baez.

The Cubs loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the eighth, but Mets reliever Carlos Torres struck out Rizzo to end the inning.

Tejada singled in the home eighth and pinch-runner Eric Young Jr. advanced to second on a passed ball before Granderson hit a line drive into center field to tie the game.

Game Notes

The Cubs out-hit the Mets 7-4. New York has four hits in each of its past three games ... The Mets were a mere 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position, while Chicago was 1-for-3 ... Cubs outfielder Matt Szczur made his major- league debut pinch-running for Ryan Sweeney in the eighth. He played right field for the remainder of the game and grounded into a fielder's choice in his one at-bat in the ninth.